Christina Lynn Ford
Obituary
Christina (Chris) Lynn Ford was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on February 11, 1949 to high school sweethearts Edwin and Mary (Stone) Staats. Her father’s career in the oil industry eventually brought them to Oklahoma, where they lived in Oklahoma City and then Enid. Chris chose to remain in Oklahoma and attend Oklahoma State University, where she majored in radio and television journalism. It was a fortuitous choice, as that was where Chris met the love of her life on a blind date, an OSU structural engineering student named Bill Ford. They fell in love quickly and married in 1970, prior to graduating from OSU in 1972. They were then blessed in 1975 with one son, Cecil Bryan (Zeke) Ford, who preceded her in death in 2007. In 1994, she joined Bill when he began his own structural engineering company, Ford Engineering, and became the voice on the phone that clients, real estate agents, and insurance companies knew and loved.
Chris had a variety of interests, including cooking, reading, and singing. Her smile would light up a room, and those who met her were often instantly drawn in by her loving nature. She loved the Lord deeply and was a faithful member of the church choir for many years. When her health eventually prevented her from attending church, she could still be found watching the online church broadcast with her hands open and slightly raised, welcoming whatever God had for her. Now, she is at peace, and He has welcomed her.
She is survived by her husband, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, great nieces and nephews, God-daughter and God-son, numerous cousins, and a host of loving friends. Memorials may be made to the Music Department at Tulsa’s First Methodist Church or to Rescued ‘n Ready Animal Foundation.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 27 at First Methodist Church.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Chris and three more of us called ourselves the Yo Yo Sisters. We did several summer trip adventures always laughing our way going and coming home. Once we stopped at a antique store and we all got little vintage black hats to wear. What fun to remember those special times together. We love you, Chris. Carolyn Osborn
Carolyn Osborn
I met Chris through singing in choir, alto section, at FUMC in about 1998. We formed a close bond through those years, until my family moved to OKC in 2005. Through the years, we stayed in touch. We went on an occasional trip together, along with two other beautiful ladies from choir, Pam Phariss (who passed in 2017) and Carolyn Osborn. I'll never forget the time we drove to my hometown, in KS, and had lunch in my brother's antique store and restaurant. We each found a black vintage hat, in the store, and had our picture taken together, beside a small antique grand piano. Another trip we took was to a bed and breakfast, near Branson, MO. The four of us women, called ourselves the "Yo-Yo Sisters." (That was our own "spin-off" of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.) I now live in CO, but I'd occasionally take a trip through Tulsa, so I could visit Chris. Chris would graciously have Carolyn and I over for lunch so we could visit together. Chris was always so thoughtful, generous, and had the best laugh and smile! She loved us and she loved Jesus! I will miss seeing her smiling face, and hearing that infectious laughter. Until we meet in Heaven --- I love you, Chris!
Lynette Tompkins
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Matt Griswold D.C. and 918 Chiropractic Team
Chris and I worked together in a doctor's office for a number of years. She was a joy to work with; dependable, competent and friendly. When we added computers to the office she was a little overwhelmed but caught on and did fine. I missed her when I left but she remained on our Christmas card list. She was gentle spirit and loved by everyone.
Becky Billings